As many of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Reminders of this important cause are showing up in a variety of venues, ranging from pink-ribbon wrapped airliners to pink cleats decorating the feet of one of the NFL's most prolific quarterbacks (whose wife is a breast cancer survivor). For many of us, the reminders are closer to home – like being recruited to participate in the local Race for the Cure, or, the closest of all, hearing that someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The facts are both scary and positive. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women ages 45 to 55, however with advancements in screenings, diagnosis and treatment, the death rate has declined 20 percent over the last 10 years. These advancements have been accelerated with the support of organizations like the Susan G Komen for the Cure, and Dell is proud to be a part of this effort.
Earlier this year, Dell teamed with Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the fight against breast cancer, pledging a $5.00 donation with the purchase of any "Promise Pink" PC or Inspiron Mini, and a minimum donation of $250,000 for 2009. Pairing one of our most popular colors with a cause that people are passionate about has paid off. I am delighted to share that in eight months we have not only achieved our minimum donation goal, but have actually doubled it, generating more than $600,000.
Since our initial announcement in February, we have expanded the number of choices a customer can choose from – we now offer Promise Pink on 10 PCs including, the Inspiron Mini 10 and Mini 10v, Inspiron 11z, 14, 15 and 17 laptops, Studio 15 and 17 laptops, the Inspiron 537s and 546 desktops.Take a look at www.dell.com/pink to see all of them.
What's really inspiring is that this program resonates not only with Dell customers, but with Dell employees, like April Steinmetz based in Round Rock, Texas, who recently shared the following:
"Not only is this particular charity a huge hit for most companies and events to sponsor, but it also means a lot to me. Sadly, one of my family members has been affected by this disease and if I am not careful I could be too. Knowledge is power, and our company has the power to give to the cause and advertise its purpose while providing great products to customers."
And Sarah Childree, a sales consultant based in Nashville:
"Dell's partnership with the Susan G. Komen Foundation is something I feel very passionate about. Dell donates $5 dollars to this foundation to fund continuing research for breast cancer every time someone buys the "Promise Pink" color on a system. I really enjoy helping others in general, and by selling the color "Promise Pink" we can do just that and maintain our impact on the fight against breast cancer."
Finally, I'd like take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of other Dell employees and to everyone outside the company for making a difference by giving their time, energy and donations to the upcoming Komen Austin Race for the Cure.
Remember, one person can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded by one sister making a promise to another sister. Dell is proud to be a part of this worthwhile effort! Our promise of a world without breast cancer does not just rest in the hands of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It is up to all of us, employees, customers, and the community of survivors and co-survivors, to stand united until the promise is fulfilled and the cures are found.